Boss Jim Magilton claimed the recent criticism of his management has given him an additional spur, after Town's 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.

Magilton said: "It has inspired me even more to succeed. Criticism is part and parcel of the game and you have to learn to accept it.

"All I will say is it's a learning process for me and I'm going to use it for that. It's part of my early years in the job.

"It was nice to score early for a change and get ahead but it was a scrappy first half overall, which was understandable.

"We were better in tempo and quality after the break and the second goal was well worked. Gareth McAuley played a great ball to Wrighty and he finished it well.

"Gareth has that in his locker and I wish he had the same belief as I do that he can come forward and show that sort of quality.”

The Blues boss was pleased with the way the Portman Road support got behind his side: "I thought the crowd were tremendous for us. When there was a lull tonight they picked us up. I thank them from the bottom of my heart."

But Magilton admitted that it was by no means a classy display: "It was a hard-fought win. It was a scrappy win but it was a win nonetheless and, after three home draws, it was important to win a game of football, and the players did that.

"What was important tonight was the result and I'm thrilled for them. We've showed a bit of character."

Forest boss Billy Davies thought his side did enough to take a point back to the Midlands: "There were lots of positives in the second half and we probably should've sneaked a draw at the end. The second half was much more positive."

Davies was impressed with Town front pairing Jon Stead and Pablo Couñago: "I thought Ipswich's front two were excellent. I thought their workrate was excellent, their movement was excellent.

"You can just see the difference. We're asking a lot of our young players to play at this level."

Town keeper Richard Wright was also praised by the former Derby County boss: "He made some good saves. He certainly did his job brilliantly."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls